Re: What criticism of the top prospects on the Rams' board is bogus?

I think they are all possiable bogus criticisms of these guys, I think they all could pan out to be awesome players. Now weather they keep their respective heads and stay on the bright paths to good careers is another thing coming... We all can be guilty of being too critical of these talented youngsters. I hope for them and the teams drafting them they all make it I think all these guys are rare talents! I voted Ha Ha, as I think the guy has real skills, even though I too have judged him as being a bit over rated. The guy is still a awesome player, imho. Good poll AvR thanks for posting!

Re: What criticism of the top prospects on the Rams' board is bogus?

Originally Posted by Randart

I think they are all possiable bogus criticisms of these guys, I think they all could pan out to be awesome players. Now weather they keep their respective heads and stay on the bright paths to good careers is another thing coming... We all can be guilty of being too critical of these talented youngsters. I hope for them and the teams drafting them they all make it I think all these guys are rare talents! I voted Ha Ha, as I think the guy has real skills, even though I too have judged him as being a bit over rated. The guy is still a awesome player, imho. Good poll AvR thanks for posting!

Thanks.

Alabama players are, in my opinion, tough to evaluate. Some of their recent entries, such as D.J. Fluker, Eddie Lacey, Mark Barron and Julio Jones, have played at the expected level once reaching the NFL.

Others, such as Rolando McClain, Trent Richardson and James Carpenter, have been big disappointments.

Re: What criticism of the top prospects on the Rams' board is bogus?

I've read more about Evans' speed and route running than his immaturity. He seems to have addressed some of that concern.

Lewan has a slew of on and off-field incidents to his name, not just the bar brawl. (MSU game, alleged role in rape case cover up, etc.)

You hear similar criticisms of arm length like Martin's every year, but I never know what comes from it. I wonder if someone has an idea of how many players with that concern ended up at guard or stayed at tackle?

Mack owned the OSU line, which ended up being one of the best in the country. I think that would put his concern to bed.

I think the Matthews criticism is something that happens every year. One guy gets propped up for his potential (Robinson) and the other gets knocked down for his "floor" (Matthews). What they often forget about it actual tape and results. I think Matthews will be fine and this is a bogus criticism.

I'd also put Watkins' criticism into the bogus category. He got open downfield plenty of times while also making plays in the open field. Julio Jones runs a lot of similar screen routes in the NFL to great success.

Re: What criticism of the top prospects on the Rams' board is bogus?

Clowney - heard from too many sources, including Sapp being livid watching the kid, to dismiss them.

Matthews - If the athleticism isn't there it isn't there to increase the ceiling. He's been coached from birth practically, and his floor is very high so not a big deal. Almost picked this one.

Robinson - a fair criticism his pass blocking % was in the 20s at Auburn. Without the evidence its hard to say if he will pick up and excel at pass-blocking or be an open door to rushers.

Mack - This criticism reminds me of The Big Bang Theory. Leonard brings up Zachery Quinto's spock portrayal to convince Sheldon that change is good. Sheldon retorts with all you ever bring up is Zachery Quinto. Ohio State, Ohio State, Look at Ohio State, He tore up Ohio State. All you ever bring up is Ohio State. Maybe he just had their number. If there was one more big school with a good line it would be erased for good. That said, I too think this is unfair but not the worst.

Sammy Watkins - I picked this. I have seen too many down-field plays too dismiss this as totally unfair. Not just highlights where he blows by a CB/FS and makes an easy catch. Maybe the screens was more of a QB issue then his. In fact I would be confident in saying that was the case. He's made tough catches, creative runs, and done fantastic. So this is the one.

Mike Evans - I too think it was his route running and getting off the line opposite tough corners that was in question. What young talented WR isn't cocky. More of a head-scratcher, could be a well deserve choice in this poll if not for the Watkins issue.

Taylor Lewan - Not to be too soap boxy, but unless it hurts your playing, off the field issues don't matter much. Vick, Big Ben, Ray Lewis, on and on. Heck Quinn had an off the field issue before last season. Guys aren't angels and as long as it doesn't effect your play your good . Incognito's issue bleed into his play so he had problems. If Lawrence Philips ran more like Adrian Peterson he would have been given a pass, until it was just too much.

Gilbert - Fair criticism, but for wrong reason. We all know that being a workout warrior doesn't mean you will be an elite player. The combine has a way of mentally erasing game tape in some people's minds. Before the combine he was consistently listed behind Dennard and sometimes Fuller. Still will be a very good CB, but elite? That has to come from the tape. Good thing about CB evaluation is other positions don't really effect them, i.e. a RB looking fantastic because the line is a beast...cough cough..ahem..Richardson. Can't hide good or bad play on islands and with the tools he can be coached.

Dennard - That is a coaching issue that should be easily handled. Unless being manhands is an integral part of why he is a top college corner and without it he's nothing, he will be fine. Seems like it fits Avs description of someone trying to find something to write about. Another contender, if not for Watkins.

Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix - Would be fair if it was a different position. Safety is a position that is going to bail out corners and make other corners look good. Not so much the other way around. I tongue in cheek mentioned Richardson, but it holds some truth. Because the players around you can make one look like a superstar it can tint the evaluation if your not careful. My theory is if this guy played on a horribly sucky team would he still be good. FS is a transparent position, can't hide good or bad play so this criticism doesn't hold much water. I watched him play a couple games, and kept my eye on him the entire time since he was a link with the Rams, wasn't overly impressed. He got beat, out of position, and wasn't as dominating as I would like to see, which is why I wavered on wanting him at 13. That type of judgement, obviously by highly trained minds should be what is judged on. Not because he made it to the MIT of football schools.(feel free to rip that analogy:-)

Calvin Pryor - He does strike me as more of a SS and can see why people may think that. His combine didn't seem to erase that thought either. I'll chalk it up to fair.

Zack Martin - Having T-rex arms seems to be an issue that many bring up regardless of the player on the line. So that seems somewhat fair.

Re: What criticism of the top prospects on the Rams' board is bogus?

Re: What criticism of the top prospects on the Rams' board is bogus?

I still think the Sammy criticism is valid - but misstated in this poll. Its not that he can't get deep - that's a different skill set, and his rare natural explosiveness, athleticism and speed will serve him well there. Its that he might not be a polished route runner, and that has more to do with his ability to consistently get open in the short and medium routes - corners in the NFL are quite a bit better than in the NCAA.
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That being said, that's one of the more teachable skills, and doesn't really impact his draft status too much - more a case that he'll have a bit more to learn in that regard than some of the other prospects and might take a year more to develop into a complete player than some of the other guys.

But there's little doubt that he's an elite talent. Its only a question of how quickly his game will translate at the NFL level, and how much he'll have to learn.